Hot Summer Weather has shown up with enough force that it’s time for a few heat-related how-to exercise reminders.
Exercising during a heat wave is possible, but it’s important to be extra cautious and prioritize our safety. Here are some key tips courtesy of personal experience, study and Google.
- Schedule our workout strategically: Avoid the hottest part of the day, typically between 10 am and 4 pm. Early morning or evening workouts are cooler and safer.
I walked a mile home from pool (billiards) practice during a still hot 5:00 p.m. a couple days ago and was surprised that the walk sapped my energy for half an hour, rather than providing a feel-good refresher. - Hydration is key: Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after our workout, even if we don’t feel thirsty.
Remember that thirst can be a sign we already are dehydrated. - Adjust the intensity: Reduce the intensity of our workout. It’s okay to shorten our sessions or lower the weight we lift.
Listen to our body and don’t push ourselves too hard. - Move indoors: Consider taking our workout indoors to an air-conditioned gym or space. If we have limited options, even exercising in a shaded area can make a big difference.
- Dress appropriately: Gone are my favorite spandex-blend ankle length yoga leggings. These days you’ll find me in loose, drawstring waist, knee length Bermuda shorts. Let’s choose breathable clothing. Light-colored apparel reflects heat better than dark colors.
- Listen to our body: Pay attention to warning signs like dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, or excessive sweating. Stop exercising and cool down immediately if we experience any of these.
- Monitor the weather: Check the heat index, which combines temperature and humidity. The higher the heat index, the greater the risk of heat-related illness.
If it’s a very hot day, my favorite exercise choice is an early or late time of day as mentioned in today’s title.
Today’s option, as soon as I’m done writing this blog shortly after 7 a.m., will be to hop on my Hydrow Wave indoor Rowing machine.
The rower was a luxury purchase that I justified by saying… “This is my longevity machine.”
Health and Fitness…My highest and best investment.
Can you think of anything better? WF!
FITNESS CLASSES!
Zoom Zumba® Gold class most Fridays at 9:30 a.m..
Seven-week Summer Season Essentrics® Aging Backwards Classes on Fridays, 1:30 p.m., at the Seal Beach Senior Center, 707 Electric Ave, Seal Beach, CA 90740.
Zoom Private Personal Training Available Now!
Rate $55 for half hour class.
Strong, Lean and Limber can be yours.
ANYONE RECEIVING THIS BLOG WHO WANTS MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE EMAIL ME AT WILDFIRE1@TRUETOMYBODY.COM.
